Decrease in Home Sizes, Lots Nearing Bottom

Article
Jul 1, 2011

Washington,
D.C.
–
The collapse of the housing market resulted in greater
interest in smaller homes and lot sizes, but that appears to be
leveling off.
There continues to be interest from homeowners in investing in their
properties, particularly with regards to outdoor living
space.
Accessibility within the home remains a concern, especially for an
aging
population, along with ongoing demand for more flexible and open design
within
homes. Business conditions for residential architects are
showing
improving conditions with the highest billings score since
mid-2007.
These findings are from the American Institute of Architects Home
Design Trends Survey
that focused specifically on overall home layout and use in the first
quarter
of 2011.

“Overall home and lots sizes showing signs of increasing
slightly indicates
that the housing market is stabilizing after being in a downward spiral
since
2007,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon.
AIA. “But
consistent with the last several years, there remains a preference for
open
space layout allowing for more flexibility and less interest in formal
spaces
and rooms.”

Baker continued, “The home improvement market, including both
additions and
structural alterations as well as remodeling projects, is extremely
healthy
right now and with the exception of the affordable home market, all of
the
other sectors are more positive than the same time a year
ago.”